Black Ivory

[Tom Militano]

Is anyone familiar with a wood called black ivory? I was given a piece a while back and it's the first time I've tried to use it. Notice I said tried to use it. It's very porous and seems kind of soft. When you sand it the residue is like black flour. It looks very dark brown until you put some finish on it then it looks black. I don't know what it is, but it's coming off the knife and going in the trash. I'm tired of fooling with it. Thanks.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

In my experience the term "Black Ivory" is a selling name, not a species. It usually refers to any black wood that the seller wants to make sound rare. It has been applied to south American woods under the term EBON, EBANO, and as Black Ivory. African Blackwood, and Gabon Ebony are also sold under the same name.
It takes a good polish if it is better grade wood.The dust looks like black/brown flour,exactly as you describe.
Stacy

 

[Tom Militano]

Thanks Stacy. I've used a good bit of Gabon Ebony and African Blackwood with no problems. I kind of thought it might be a selling name. This particular piece of wood is coming off the handle tomorrow. Duct tape would make a better handle. Hmmmm!

 

[Dogpack]

Thanks Stacy. I've used a good bit of Gabon Ebony and African Blackwood with no problems. I kind of thought it might be a selling name. This particular piece of wood is coming off the handle tomorrow. Duct tape would make a better handle. Hmmmm!

duct tape holds the world together

 

[Tom Militano]

The handle material is off and I'm still looking at the duct tape.